Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Bimage.
Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was Christmas of 2017 and I had just gotten diagnosed with Stage IIIB Breast Cancer. I was devastated because my husband and I were raising three daughters, we had just embarked on our entrepreneurial endeavors, and I’d lost TWO family friends I knew to the disease- both diagnosed younger than 40 and who’d lived less than a block from me. At that point, I’d felt like I’d been handed a death sentence. But, being the avid researcher that I am, it wasn’t long before I got my emotions in check and started looking for answers. I found out that young African-American women are TWICE as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and they are THREE times as likely to die from the disease. On top of that, young African-American patients and survivors face more challenges than any other demographic.
So, I continued my research, and while solving my own problems with side-effects from treatment, financial hurdles, restoring my health, I decided I wanted to share all of this important and useful information with the world. I combined my background in social work with my love of writing and research and decided to create a website and blog for the young breast cancer patient and survivor. To date, I’ve had three surgeries and completed active treatment (chemo and radiation). I’m currently in hormone therapy for the next nine years and am determined to live my best life beyond breast cancer and help other women do the same.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve definitely had some obstacles to overcome. Aside from the effects of treatment, putting together an informative website is one of the most tedious things I’ve done. I had to delete, reformat, and start over on so many pages, but with determination and persistence, I was able to finish the site.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Livin’ Beyond with Lauren B – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Livin’ Beyond with Lauren B is an informative website and lifestyle blog for the young breast cancer patient, survivor, and supporter. The website has a girl-next door vibe to ensure that it connects with younger women and addresses different issues they face. Aside from the blog, the website features a resources page that lists all kinds of resources (financial, fertility, mastectomy, beauty, etc.) and an events page that lists different events and fundraisers, in over 20 states, that benefit the breast cancer community. Women can also find breast cancer screening resources on the site. Outside of the website, I visit different schools and host educational seminars for young African-American women to promote awareness on the alarming statistics that affect this special group of women. When I reflect, I am most proud of the lemonade that I made out of the lemons that were given to me.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to traveling and spreading the word! My motto is, “We can change the stats,” which I truly believe. The reason younger African-American women have higher breast cancer fatality rates is because they are being diagnosed at later stages, due to their discovering of breast abnormalities after the cancer has advanced-something that can be prevented in most cases. My next big plan in the works is to start hosting support classes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livinbeyond.com
- Email: info@livinbeyond.com
- Instagram: @livinbeyond
- Facebook: @livinbeyond
- Twitter: @livinbeyond
Image Credit:
Michelle C. Watson/HOUSTON TEXANS, Lauren B
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